“Peter Obi asked me to support him” – Bashir Ahmad breaks silence on viral meeting in Daura
Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has broken his silence on recent encounter with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the funeral events held in honour of Buhari.
Ahmad disclosed that he met Obi at Buhari’s residence in Daura, Katsina State, during the Fidau prayer.
According to him, their first interaction was simply an exchange of pleasantries, but Obi later engaged him in a lighthearted conversation, making a casual remark about support and agriculture.
He recounted how Obi mentioned the vast farmlands he observed on his way to Daura and jokingly told Ahmad to “come and support him.”
Ahmad, who served as a digital media aide during Buhari’s presidency, clarified that the conversation was not political, but rather a moment of mutual respect during a solemn occasion.
He emphasized that Obi’s visit was purely to pay his respects to the late president.
In his words, via a post titled “My Meeting with @PeterObi in Daura”, Ahmad wrote:
“When I arrived at Baba’s residence this morning, many dignitaries were already seated for the prayer session. I first greeted Mallam Mamman Daura, then Atiku Abubakar, who was sitting beside him. Next was Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and then Mr. Peter Obi, who sat on the same chair with Mallam.
“Interestingly, Mr. Obi told me something I recently posted on Twitter. I smiled and continued down the row to greet others.
“@YunusaTanko didn’t realize I had already greeted his boss, so he pointed me out again. I moved closer, and Mr. Obi once again offered his condolences and said he admired my loyalty to Baba, even after leaving office.
“There was no talk of politics or pictures until much later when he was about to leave. Coincidentally, I had stepped outside to receive other visitors. We stood for a few moments, and in a lighthearted tone, Mr. Obi said I should come and support him. He also mentioned the vast land for agriculture he saw while coming to Daura.”
Ahmad went on to express disappointment at the backlash he received after posting their pictures online.
He claimed that while he expected criticism from within his own party, the attacks actually came from Obi’s supporters, known as the “Obidients.”
“I would like to make it clear that I didn’t visit Peter Obi – he came to us out of respect for President Buhari,” Ahmad said. “There was nothing political about our brief exchange. It was purely a humane and respectful moment during a time of mourning.
“With such supporters who are only experts in bullying, gatekeeping, and intolerance, it is hard for Mr. Obi to build the broad coalition necessary to become President. His supporters are simply not enough on their own, and worse still, they attack, block, and harass those who might otherwise be willing to help him.”
President Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13 in a London hospital.
His body was flown back to Nigeria and buried in his hometown of Daura on July 15.
Due to flight issues, Peter Obi was unable to attend the burial itself but was present the following day for the Fidau prayer.
